Eco-friendly Bhogi lights up Vizag Beach Road
A festive mood prevailed at Bhogi celebrations organised by the Go Adharitha Vyavasaya Raithula Sangham (Cow-Based Natural Farmers Association) near the YMCA on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. People gathered in large numbers to celebrate the harvest festival in a traditional and eco-friendly way. Families, senior citizens, and children joined the programme.
The event also turned into a colourful cultural showcase. Haridas and Gangireddu’s performances entertained the crowd. Budabukkala, Puli Veshalu, and indigenous folk dances added energy to the celebrations. Meanwhile, residents from the Beach Road area, morning walkers, and visitors actively participated.
Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi attended the event as the chief guest. He ceremonially lit the Bhogi bonfire using nearly one lakh indigenous cow dung pellets. He urged citizens to light Bhogi fires traditionally. At the same time, he warned people against burning tyres, plastic waste, and other polluting materials. He also took part in the Bhogi Pallu ritual for children.
Several visitors welcomed the initiative. “It feels good to see Bhogi celebrated the way our elders did, without smoke from plastic,” said a resident. Similarly, a morning walker remarked, “The folk performances and the bonfire brought back childhood memories.” A parent said, “My children experienced our culture closely today, and they were excited to join the rituals.”
District president of the association, Datla Subrahmanya Varma, urged people to celebrate festivals responsibly. He said such celebrations should not disturb others or harm the environment.
Akula Chalapathi Rao of Sankalpa Art Village and Green Climate founding secretary J.V. Ratnam attended the programme. Others were also present.